It was my job to plan worship for a community outreach project. The weather looked like we would be able to be outside for this special gathering. Only, there weren't many large gathering spaces to choose from. So, had things worked out, we would have set up on the community basketball court. Before the weather changed our plans, I had envisioned our communion setup. Our table would be a graffiti-covered concrete bench. Personally, it would be a symbol of God's willingness to meet us on our terms. Christ became flesh to dwell among us, after all. As Jesus traveled, he didn't only meet in synagogues and in the temple. He met with sinners at their tables and their spaces. The kingdom of God has come and it may surprise us where it's willing to be. We ended up meeting inside. So, no concrete stained-glass altar. Even though it would have been a powerful visual, our communion was just as meaningful inside as it would have been outside. That's because of what Jesus has made it to be. When we break the bread and lift the cup, it is no mere ceremony of our making. By God's invitation, we have been invited. All are welcome because God has made the invitation. When we accept God's invite, we become a part of God's declaration. So, communion is not just a private moment between us and God. It is a public proclamation of God's holy foolishness, no matter where it is.
The world calls the cross foolish. But the bread and cup preach otherwise. They shout the truth of God. When you gather around God's table, bring someone with you. Bring, especially, those who have been told they don't belong, as if there's a place God is unwilling to be or a person God is unwilling to commune with. Bring an unseen neighbor. For every lie that says some are not worthy, let there be a table set that proclaims otherwise.
Stay blessed...john | 
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